P. J. Harvey Quotes

If you try to smooth out society with a hot iron, you're liable to drive out all talent.

How can people think that artists seek a name? A name, like a face, is something you have when you're not alone. There is no such thing as an artist: there is only the world, lit or unlit as the light allows.

I wasn't even in a theater because I guess nobody believed in me, so I was in the hallway of a theater on a platform that they would move so the main stage show could go on at eight o'clock and I'd be gone.

I don't know how to measure success. I have been fortunate that I got exciting films to do and work with talented directors who brought out the best in me.

If you got the talent and the drive, there are ways to get noticed.

How many people, though, do I meet that I think have talent? Well actually a lot. That's what drives my enthusiasm in the conversation about diversity.

If I don't have an ability to go the places that I have been invited to show at and to speak at and to feature my talent, well then, I am going to stay here in New York City and work my butt off.

If you have the talent and passion and commitment, you shouldn't be locked out of the room.

Bollywood has not utilised my potential! But unfortunately, we can't plan and have things our way.

I love Kanye West. I think he's a visionary. He's one of those people for whom I separate his personality from his artistry.

I'm not from a conventional world, innit? So the fact that I'm getting a chance to express my world in society and TV is epic.

If you're going to be an artist, you need to be an original.

People might look at you a bit funny, but it's okay. Artists are allowed to be a bit different.

There are lots of artists in the world. But there's only one you. And the only person who has your point of view is you. If you decide not to make things, all you've done is deprive the world of all the stuff that only you could have brought to it.

Don't worry if people think you're good. Make this your experience. And find out what makes you unique as an artist. You don't get the opportunity to do that as much in the real world.

For an artist, to be normal is a disaster

We're all given a window of opportunity, I think all artists are, of any genre. A window when you're truly relevant, the spotlight's on you and people are watching what you do.

I knew I would be famous one day. That's because I lived in a very small town and nobody liked doing the same things I did, like writing.

If a man ain't nothin' else, then he's an artist. It's the only thing he can claim to be that nobody can prove he ain't.

For me, being transparent about every aspect of my life is what makes my music relatable and how I'm able to be an individual amongst the mass amounts of other artists.

Who is an artist? I say we take a title. No one gives it to us. We make our lives.

You think you're an artist; prove it

I used to have to downplay my sexuality because I wanted to be taken so seriously as a thespian and as an artist and as an actor, so I'd play crack heads and down trotting women and disguise myself, and I think as I've gotten older, I become more comfortable with who I really am and all parts of me knowing that my physical self doesn't diminish me in any way or my talent.

When the individuality of the artist begins to express itself, what the artist gains in the way of liberty he loses in the way of order.

All men are creative but few are artists.